The goal of the new project is to build a unified platform for managing and executing quantum algorithms. It will also provide other DLR institutes and external partners with access to the DLR quantum computers. The hardware backends will be DLR's new quantum computers, one of which is based on neutral atoms. provided by Planqc The project is part of the DLR Quantum Computing Initiative (DLR QCI).
Planqc is implementing the new project together with the consulting firm D-Fine. The two companies were selected for their expertise in software programming and their deep understanding of compilation strategies. This is D-Fine's third contract within the DLR QCI. Specifically, they will integrate quantum compilers into DLR's quantum computer architecture to enable efficient and user-friendly access to this advanced technology.
Planqc relies on optical gratings
For Planqc and D-Fine, the project underscores the need for close co-design of hardware and software for quantum computing. It is crucial to incorporate hardware metrics and error models into the algorithms and ensure that the hardware supports efficient algorithm execution. The DLR project ALQU (Algorithms for Quantum Computer Development in Hardware-Software Co-design) aims to close this gap by focusing on efficient compilation for quantum computers.
Martin Kiffner, Head of Algorithms at Planqc, explains via LinkedIn:
"We are pleased to support the German Aerospace Center in developing compiler software for quantum computers. Together with D-Fine, we will join the ALQU project to bridge the gap between hardware and software."
Planqc's technology builds on the research and technology development of the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics (MPQ) in Munich. At its core is the optical lattice technology developed in the state capital. This technology allows thousands of atoms to be trapped in a crystal of light formed by a single laser beam. Quantum information is stored in the electronic states of strontium atoms. Planqc sees this combination of quantum technologies as having the potential to rapidly scale to thousands of qubits with superior gate quality, a prerequisite for an industrially relevant quantum advantage.
